Ferencvaros vs Panathinaikos: Preview, Predictions, Lineups, Team News
Ferencvaros is primed to host Panathinaikos on Thursday evening in the Europa League, with both teams seeking crucial victories. Currently, Ferencvaros ranks sixth in the League Phase, boasting an unbeaten record, while Panathinaikos sits at 15th, just three points behind the top eight.
Match Preview
Ferencvaros commenced their European campaign in the Champions League qualifiers, earning victories against Noah and Ludogorets. However, they faced a setback against Qarabaq in the playoff round, relegating them to the Europa League. Under the management of Robbie Keane, Ferencvaros has excelled during the League Phase, securing wins over Genk, Red Bull Salzburg, Ludogorets, and Rangers, alongside draws against Viktoria Plzen and Fenerbahce. This strong performance ensures their position in the playoffs and places them in contention for a direct advancement to the last 16, sharing the unbeaten status in the competition with Real Betis and Freiburg.
In the Hungarian League, Ferencvaros is currently in second place, trailing one point behind leaders Gyori Eto, as they aim for an eighth consecutive title. With five wins in their last six matches across all competitions, Ferencvaros is keen to capitalize on their momentum following a winter break, having last played on December 19, securing a 1-0 victory over Diosgyor.
Panathinaikos’ Resilience
On the other hand, Panathinaikos’ Europa League journey has been inconsistent. The campaign began positively with a win against Young Boys but included losses to Go Ahead Eagles and Feyenoord. Since appointing Rafael Benitez in October, Panathinaikos has remained unbeaten in Europe, achieving victories over Malmo and Sturm Graz, alongside a draw against Viktoria Plzen. They currently hold fifth place in the Greek Super League but lag nine points behind the top four.
Despite a recent 4-0 defeat to AEK Athens, Panathinaikos seeks to regain form with a crucial win against Ferencvaros. A victory on Thursday would significantly enhance their chances of qualifying for the next round, especially with a challenging match against AS Roma looming in the final League Phase encounter.
Team News
- Ferencvaros: Midfielder Alex Toth has departed to Bournemouth, and top scorer Barnabas Varga has signed with AEK Athens. Nevertheless, Naby Keita, a former Liverpool player, is expected to start after moving from Wolfsburg. Elton Acolatse may lead the line along with Bamidele Yusuf, and Mariano Gomez could feature in defense.
- Panathinaikos: Andreas Tetteh joined from Kifisia and is expected to start up front. Former Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri and ex-Burnley player Anass Zaroury will provide width. Additionally, Pedro Chirivella is set to play alongside Adam Gnezda Cerin, with Alban Lafont in goal.
Projected Lineups
| Ferencvaros | Panathinaikos |
|---|---|
| Grof | Lafont |
| Gomez, Raemaekers, Szalai | Calabria, Jedvaj, Touba, Kotsiras |
| Makreckis, Zachariassen, Keita, Kanichowsky, Cadu | Chirivella, Gnezda Cerin |
| Acolatse, Yusuf | Pellistri, Bakasetas, Zaroury, Tetteh |
Prediction
We anticipate a narrow victory for Ferencvaros, possibly 1-0 against Panathinaikos. Their current form and home advantage may prove decisive in this pivotal match.
